Phuketwan News Analysis/Opinion
FIRM and speedy Government action is probably the only way that some of Phuket's long-standing internal cancers can be successfully treated.
Phuket, still a beautiful island with many attributes, needs a clean bill of health to function to its full potential in a new era of transparency and trust.
Yet Phuket begins the second decade of the 21st century beneath the weight of the massive handicap of an outdated economy that rides on rip-offs and greed.
Asked by Phuketwan to name Phuket's biggest problem, a former director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand had a quick one-word response: ''Corruption.''
There was no need to say more. The disturbing incidents of thuggery, the reoccurring extortion, the neglect of the environment and the rule of the rip-off all stem from the c-word.
Now it's time to look at alternatives, to look at systems that function to international standards, to look at methods that give locals a fair income for honest work.
Thailand needs this to happen, tourism needs this to happen, Phuket needs this to happen. For too long, the island's evil underbelly has been ignored.
As Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob has pointed out, Phuket is an island peppered with problems. The unstoppable internet chatter now damaging the future prospects of the country's best island destination comes as a result of years of neglect.
The time is right for implementation of a ''Clean Up Phuket'' campaign that goes beyond the litter on the beaches to target the real mess.
Thailand's national government must quickly focus on setting this island straight, economically and socially, or run the risk of permanent, irrevocable and extremely costly damage to the tourist industry.
Having now apparently halted the scandals that tainted tourism at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the Government must turn its attention to setting Phuket straight.
Continuing harsh economic times lie ahead. To allow the tuk-tuk and jet-ski philosophy to continue to flourish would be a huge mistake.
Easy targets, easy money, jobs for the boys . . . and a happy life for everyone, except the unfortunate victims.
That does not work in the 21st century, where tourists who fall victim once do not come back. They have more choice these days. They tell their friends. The word spreads.
In the best interests of Thailand, as an imperative for the island and all who rely on tourism, it's time to clean up Phuket.
Photo Album Tsunami Plus . . . here is Phuketwan's list of the most important stories of the decade on Phuket and in the Andaman region, including some that we may yet see repeated.
Phuket's Top 10 News Items of the Decade
Phuket Diver's Mother Tells of Coma Tragedy
Latest The mother of a British diver who is in a coma on Phuket has talked of her love for her son, and her fears for his future. She wants to fly him home to Britain. But when?
Phuket Diver's Mother Tells of Coma Tragedy
Phuket Crash Puts British Diver in Long Coma
Latest Help is being sought to try to fly home a British diver who has been in a long coma after a motorcycle crash on Phuket. Facebook is being used to 'Help Shane Free.'
Phuket Crash Puts British Diver in Long Coma
Phuket Beach Holiday Tragedy: Young Boy Drowns
Photo Album Phuketwan knows these photos will shock. But a young boy's death by drowning on a New Year's Day holiday is a shocking thing, especially on a beach holiday island.
Phuket Beach Holiday Tragedy: Young Boy Drowns
On Phuket Beaches, 'Tis the Season to be Jelly
Latest Last year's jellyfish alarms did not produce reports of large numbers of serious stings. But if jellyfish do arrive on Phuket, what precautions should be taken?
On Phuket Beaches, 'Tis the Season to be Jelly
Cape Sienna, Phuketwan Resort of the Year 2009
Headland Winner This Resort of the Year embraces compact hillside space and uses music and food to build a base for a strategy that others are bound to follow.
Cape Sienna, Phuketwan Resort of the Year 2009
Phuketwan Phuket Restaurant of the Year 2009
Photo Album Well we've cheated twice with this award, once by giving it to two restaurants, and the second time by telling readers of another site about it first. Sorry. But enjoy them both.
Phuketwan Phuket Restaurant of the Year 2009
Absolutely. I couldn't have put it better myself. As an expat living here, I have my own transport, so the tuk tuk rip offs don't affect me directly, but I never go to Kata or Patong. The main reason being....there is no where to park, because the tuk tuks have all the available parking spaces.
The retail businesses in Kata and Patong should realize that the tuk tuks are preventing me, and many other local residents like myself, from spending money in their shops and restaurants.
So it is not just the tourists who are suffering for the greed of the few, but the local businesses, Thai and expat alike, who suffer.
Posted by Anonymous on January 2, 2010 11:00